Constitutionalists point to "gross violation" of the right to protest

Constitutionalists Jorge Reis Novais and Teresa Violante criticized the government's handling of protests for housing, claiming it violates the right to assembly. They argue that police interventions during recent protests in Lisbon and Porto are excessive and misinterpret the 1974 law governing public demonstrations. Novais emphasized that peaceful protests should not be suppressed, while Violante noted that security forces appear to be following strict, unjustified instructions from the government. Both agree that the law itself is not the main issue, but rather its abusive interpretation. They also highlighted the symbolic nature of the tents used in protests, representing the housing crisis. In contrast, constitutionalist Vital Moreira views these encampments as illegal and supports police action against them, provided it is proportional.